Disruptive behavior during dental treatment of uncooperative children.

This study examines the pattern of behavior of children referred to the Liverpool Dental Hospital for previous lack of cooperation during dental treatment. During a normal treatment session a proportion of these patients refused to allow treatment to proceed. Comparisons were made of the behavioral profiles obtained from detailed observation of treatment by videotape recordings between children who refused or accepted treatment with a comparison group of children. Refusers were characterized by behavior, which prevented treatment from continuing, e.g., closing their mouths and by weeping. Increased levels of restlessness and verbal complaints were not found in the refusers compared with the other children who received treatment.